Island of Second Chances

by Cara Lockwood

  Edward said nothing, just stared at his sunken boat. “That was my best boat,” Edward mumbled, shaking his head. The Ciao Bella moved past, towed by the Jetstream. “Thanks a lot, assholes!” Edward yelled, even as the boats slipped past. He glanced at Mark. “Took you long enough.”

  Mark sent him a wry grin. “Had to win the race first.”

  “You only won because we got sidelined, brother.” Edward quirked an eyebrow.

  “What was that you always say? ‘A win is a win’?” Mark clapped his brother hard on the back and Edward let out a reluctant chuckle.

  “What are we sitting around for?” Dave asked. “Let’s get back to the marina so we can hand this loser his trophy.”

  Everyone laughed at that as they steered toward the marina. Laura stood near Mark at the wheel, watching the shore grow closer.

  “Glad you two have made up,” Laura said. Mark pulled her into his arms and she went, hugging him freely for the first time in days. Maybe their argument was finally over. He hoped so. Maybe he could still convince her to sail around the world with him. There might still be a chance.

  “I’m feeling...light-headed,” Laura said all at once.

  Next to him, she seemed to stagger a bit on her feet. Then her eyes rolled back in her head and she fainted.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  LAURA CAME TO at the docks with a circle of concerned faces around her.

  “Are you all right?” Mark asked, his face crumpling in relief. What had happened? The race, yes...they won! And then the boat rescue and somewhere along the way, she’d lost it.

  Laura sat up, but then her vision filled with stars. “Oh, boy,” she said, holding her head.

  “Here, have some water,” Garrett said, offering her a water bottle. She took a deep swig of the cold liquid and smiled gratefully at her shipmate.

  “Thanks.”

  “You gave us a scare,” Edward said. “Fainted dead away on the boat right when we were about to dock.”

  “I know winning is stressful, but sheesh,” Dave echoed.

  “I’m okay, really. Probably just an empty stomach,” Laura lied. The last time she’d been pregnant she’d gotten light-headed spells, too. Her mother had them as well. Maddie said their dad used to call their mom London Bridge because she always fell down. If she had any doubt about the pregnancy test results, those were long gone now.

  “Then let’s get you something to eat,” Mark said.

  Laura’s stomach, empty and roiling, wasn’t so sure that was a good idea, but now she’d have to try.

  Mark helped her to her feet and she stood, a little unsteady. He held her tightly by the arm. “I’ve got you,” he promised.

  They all walked to the Rusted Anchor, where the race judges had gathered. Garrett went to talk to the officials and sign the finishing papers for the Timothy, and Mark steered her to one of the few open booths in the back. Most of the bar was filled with race spectators.

  Edward glanced at his phone. “Elle wants to join us. Is that okay?” He glanced at Mark. Laura felt her stomach tighten. What would he say?

  Mark glanced at Laura. “Is that all right with you?” he asked her.

  She nodded. It might be awkward, but at some point, they would all have to start acting like a family. Elle was pregnant with Mark’s niece or nephew, and that child shouldn’t suffer for the mistakes his or her parents made.

  “Okay, then,” Mark told Edward. Then, he studied Laura. “You want a beer?” he asked her.

  Did she. But she couldn’t. “Uh...no. No, thanks.”

  “Come on! We’re celebrating,” Edward pushed. “And who knows when this loser will ever win anything again?”

  Laura laughed a little at the joke. “I think I’ll just start with water, if that’s okay. Because...my empty stomach.”

  Edward eyed her, and she almost wondered if he suspected her condition. She hoped not.

  “The lady fainted, so let’s not give her another reason to get light-headed,” Dave interrupted. And Laura was suddenly grateful.

  “Water it is,” Mark said. “But beers to follow.”

  Laura rubbed her forehead. She felt the start of a headache, and the worry about her fall on the boat never quite left her. While her shorts were tight, her stomach was largely flat. She’d heard from her sister that later in the pregnancy the regular kicking of the baby helped calm new mom nerves, but now, she had no idea how the little one inside her was faring. Was she...or he...okay?

  Mark went to the bar to get beers for the table and a water for her, and she watched him go. I need to tell him. But how?

  He returned to the table, slid the water in front of her and beers in front of the other men and Gretchen. Laura took a sip of water and then Edward’s phone lit up. He answered in the noisy bar, moving away from the table so he could hear.

  “Are you okay?” Gretchen asked, concerned. “Did you hit your head...when you fell on the boat?”

  “Just a little bit. But, don’t worry. I don’t think the fainting had anything to do with that.”

  “Maybe you should see somebody,” Mark said. “Like a doctor. First the stomach bug and then the fainting...” Mark took a long sip of beer.

  “I’m fine.” I know exactly what’s wrong with me. When would he start to suspect? Yet he seemed stubbornly blind to her symptoms.

  Edward came back to the table, face white. “Guys, Elle’s labor started. Her friend is already driving her to the hospital.”

  Mark slowly put down the beer. “We’ll drive you to the hospital,” he said.

  “I can do it,” Edward said.

  “No, man. You’ll be liable to hit a tree. Let us drive you.”

  “You sure?” Edward looked anxious as he glanced at Garrett.

  “Hell, we’ll all go,” Garrett said.

  * * *

  MARK SAT WITH Laura in the waiting room of the small island hospital, holding her hand.

  “If you’d told me a month ago I’d be waiting at the hospital for my ex-wife to deliver my brother’s baby, I would’ve told you that you were nuts,” Mark said, shaking his head.

  Laura laughed a little and leaned into him. She loved the feel of his strong shoulder beneath her cheek. She wanted that feeling to last forever but wondered if it would.

  “Stranger things have happened,” she said. “But I’m glad for the baby’s sake that you two have made up. It’s important for kids to have extended family.”

  “I’m not sure we’re exactly friends again. It’s a lot to process.”

  Laura rubbed his arm. “I know. But I’m proud of you. Proud that you let him help us and that you’re here. Supporting him.”

  “I still don’t know what I’m doing here really.”

  “Being an adult. Being a bigger person,” Laura said. She squeezed his arm. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

  Mark brightened. “For nearly getting you thrown overboard on the ship? Hardly!”

  “It was an accident,” Laura said.

  “How’s your head?” he asked, leaning over and gently probing the back of her hair. He touched the goose egg and she flinched a little.

  “Ouch.”

  “Sorry.” He withdrew his hand and then gazed at her a moment. “You sure that bump isn’t more serious? You fainted on the dock and—”

  “It’s not the bump,” she said quickly. At least not that bump. She fought herself once more. Why couldn’t she just tell him?

  “Okay.” Mark let it go. He held her hand, studying her fingers, and then he gently brought it to his lips and kissed her knuckles. The gentle touch sent a shiver down her spine. How she loved him. How she loved how he touched her, bringing every nerve ending in her body alive. “Have you thought about my offer? To go sailing?”

  “Mark.” Not now, she thought. They couldn’t talk about th
is now.

  “We won the money, and I can support us on the boat. And I know you said you didn’t want to go, and I can’t really blame you since you almost got thrown overboard, but would you at least think about it?” Mark looked so hopeful then. How could she dash his hopes?

  “But...” Yet, it was all so hopeless.

  “I know you want to go back to San Francisco. I know that’s your plan.”

  “I don’t know what my plans are,” she confessed. “I have no job. I...” I’m about to be a single mom.

  “Then it’s the perfect time to sail around the world with me. Come on. Say you’ll consider it.” He studied her a moment. “Are you worried about me? About what I said?”

  Laura frowned. “About not coming back?”

  Mark nodded. “You don’t have to be. I realize now that with you in my life, everything has changed. I’ve got so much to live for now. You’ve made me see that, Laura. I’m not going to make this a one-way trip. I promise. But if you come with me, it’ll be a trip of a lifetime.”

  It would. Laura had no doubt.

  “Mark, I just...” I can’t because I’m pregnant. Why couldn’t she say those words? Yet, every time she tried, they stuck in her throat. All she had to do was admit the real problem and then he’d understand. Laura glanced at him once more. She had to find the courage to tell him. She just had to...

  “Mark?” Edward was standing in front of them. Laura cursed his rotten timing. Mark turned. “It’s a girl,” he told them both.

  Laura jumped up and hugged Edward. “Oh, I’m so glad.” She gave him a huge hug. Edward, surprised, hugged her back. Mark stood, too, and gave his hand for a shake. Edward looked at it, touched. He took it and slowly shook his brother’s hand.

  “Congratulations,” Mark said.

  “Thanks, man. You don’t know what this means. Thank you.” Edward grinned. He looked at Mark. “Uh, Elle wants to...she wants to talk to you.”

  Mark frowned. “About what?”

  “I’m not sure. But she asked for you.”

  Mark glanced at Laura, who didn’t know what to say. She felt a bit of jealousy in her stomach, but knew she should fight it off. Reluctantly, Mark nodded and then walked down the corridor toward Elle’s room. Edward glanced at Laura, studying her a beat.

  “Mind if I sit?” he said, and when she shrugged, he plunked down into the seat next to her.

  “How is Elle doing? And the baby?” she asked.

  “Fine. They’re both fine and healthy. Baby is eight pounds, one ounce. And she’s got strong lungs—used them right out of the gate.”

  Laura smiled. For the first time in a long time, she realized, news about a baby didn’t make her want to cry. Maybe it was because she knew she was carrying one inside her. The hope had already started to take root.

  “When are you going to tell him?” Edward asked her, his sharp eyes missing nothing.

  Laura turned abruptly. “What do you mean?”

  “You know what I mean.” He stared at her for a long beat, his meaning clear. Somehow, he knew about the pregnancy.

  “How’d you guess?”

  “Well, I didn’t know for sure until just now.”

  Laura’s mouth dropped open. “You tricked me.”

  “Of course, I did. Didn’t Mark warn you I was the bad brother?” Edward chuckled. “Besides, I already suspected. Elle had all those same symptoms—nausea, fainting. I wasn’t quite sure until you ordered water at the bar, but then, I was pretty confident.”

  Laura’s shoulders slumped. “Mark doesn’t want to be a father. How can I tell him?”

  Edward nodded. “Mark’s stubborn all right, but eventually he always sees reason.”

  Laura shook her head. “What if he doesn’t, though? He wants to sail around the world. He thinks a baby will dishonor Timothy’s memory. How can I disappoint him like this? He’s worked so hard for so long, and against all odds we actually won the damn race, and now I’m going to tell him he can’t go?”

  Edward laughed. “I think he’d rather be a father than not.”

  “No. He thinks it betrays Timothy. He’s sure of it.” Laura sighed. “And we’ve only been dating a short while, and now a baby? I mean, it’s crazy. It will never work.”

  Edward quirked an eyebrow. “Love isn’t a straight line,” he said. “Sometimes we find it in the most unexpected places.” Edward paused. “Says the brother who fell in love with his sister-in-law.”

  Laura couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s a terrible example.”

  “I know.” Edward shrugged. He patted her on the knee. “Still, you need to tell him. He has a right to know.”

  Laura nodded. “I know he does. I just... I need to tell him in my own time.”

  “Just make sure that’s before he starts sailing around the world.” Mark shrugged. “He’ll probably want to sail to Bora Bora soon. That’s the next big sailing race.”

  “Then I still have some time,” Laura pointed out.

  “You do,” Mark agreed. “But not much.” He stared at her. “What’s it going to take to convince you to talk to him?”

  A miracle, she thought.

  * * *

  MARK WALKED INTO his ex-wife’s hospital room and felt an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. In a room just like this a few years ago, he’d met his son for the first time. He’d seen the doctors clean him and wrap him in a blue blanket and hand him to Elle. Elle had smiled then and he’d hugged her and his son together. That had been one of the happiest days of his life. Now, as he stood at the foot of her hospital bed, he felt like an intruder while she cooed to the baby wrapped in the pink blanket in her arms.

  She glanced up at him, looking a little startled.

  “You wanted to see me?” he asked. “Edward said—”

  “Yes. I did.” Elle looked down at her baby once more. The silence felt awkward. Mark remembered why, too. The last time he’d been alone with Elle was more than a year ago, when she’d stood in his living room with a packed bag and told him she was leaving him for Edward. Then his whole world caved in. It felt like yesterday and it felt like a lifetime ago at the same time.

  “I...I wanted to thank you, for...bringing Edward to the hospital.”

  “Sure.”

  Elle glanced at him, and he had the feeling she wanted to say more, but he had no idea what she had in mind. They used to be so close, he could read her mind, but now this woman who’d once been his wife was a black box to him. He couldn’t guess what she was thinking.

  “Mark, I know this is hard for you, but...” Emotions strangled Elle’s voice as she paused a minute. “I am so sorry. About Timothy. I think about him every day. And...my daughter is not a replacement for him.”

  The admission hit Mark like a ton of bricks. She did still care. He could see that in her tear-filled eyes.

  “I’d do anything to go back to that day,” she said. “I want you to know that. I know how badly I messed up, and I’ll live with that guilt forever. And I’ve cut out all the pills. All of them. I just...I just wanted to tell you that.”

  Mark nodded. The admission didn’t make his grief any less, but somehow it did loosen up the hardness in his heart he’d built up against her. She’d had a problem, and he knew she had. Maybe he shared some of the blame, too, for leaving her alone with Timothy when he knew she wasn’t 100 percent, when he knew she might slip.

  “We both made mistakes,” he admitted.

  She smiled. “Want to hold Emma?”

  Mark glanced at the tiny baby swaddled in a pink flannel blanket. He felt his heart open a little bit. “Sure,” he said and reached for the tiny bundle. She was fast asleep, poor thing, as he held the little baby in his arms.

  “She’s got your nose,” he told Elle, who smiled. “Thank you for letting me hold her.”

  “Of course,” Elle said. �
�She’s your niece.”

  The craziness of that fact had only just begun to set in. Mark held the baby for a second longer and then handed her back to her mother. It was all so much to take in—the baby, Elle, Edward. He was on the path to forgiveness, but he also knew there’d be some bumps in the road before he found his destination.

  “I’ll go tell Edward it’s his turn to hold the baby,” Mark said.

  “Wait, Mark,” she called. “I just want you to know. There’s enough love in your heart for more than just Timothy. Love isn’t finite, and the heart is a big place.”

  He ducked out of the hospital room feeling a little bit lighter but also a little bit sadder. There was no doubt that a chapter in his life—the chapter with Elle—was absolutely done. If there’d been any doubts, today quashed them.

  Then he turned the corner and he saw Edward standing close to Laura, nearly toe to toe, and he was holding both her hands.

  Mark froze. What the...?

  Edward was leaning over, whispering something in her ear. His body was entirely too close, and then, he met her gaze, put both hands on her cheeks and leaned forward and gently laid a kiss on her forehead.

  It was tender, and he lingered, and then Mark’s whole vision went red.

  What the hell was going on?

  But then Mark knew exactly what was going on. Edward was being Edward.

  He was stealing away something that wasn’t his.

  But why wasn’t Laura resisting him? Why wasn’t she putting him off?

  No, she wasn’t fighting him. She wasn’t telling him to go to hell. As he watched, he saw her smile up at him tenderly. Surely, he was imagining it all. And yet, that sparkle in her eye, that gratitude. It was the same look she’d given Mark so many times before. He knew her so well, and he knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, there was a little conspiracy between them.

  He felt his blood run cold. He’d been here before. With Elle. He felt that same pit in his stomach he had the day she’d told him she was leaving him, the same feeling of having the wind knocked out of him.

  No. Not again. Never again. Mark would see to that once and for all.